Stephen King is a multi-generational talent in the horror genre. Since the release of his first novel, Carrie, in 1974, he has shaped the horror landscape with his novels, novellas, and short stories. However, not all of his work is strictly horror. When it comes to film adaptations, I believe King’s novellas Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption and The Body—adapted into The Shawshank Redemption and Stand by Me, respectively—have left an indelible mark on pop culture and are definitive classics. It feels poetic, then, that Mike Flanagan, a master of horror in both film and TV, chose to adapt King’s novella The Life of Chuck. The result is one of Flanagan’s best works to date.
The Life of Chuck opens at the end—both literally and figuratively. The world is ending. On the news, we hear reports of California sinking into the ocean and cities flooding. Over time, essential services like the internet and television begin to fail. This is also technically the end of the story, as The Life of Chuck is told in reverse chronological order, beginning with Act Three. In this act, we follow Marty (Chiwetel Ejiofor) as the impending doom sets in. Despite the hopelessness, Marty repeatedly sees ads and billboards featuring Charles Krantz (Tom Hiddleston), who appears to be celebrating 39 years. This optimistic messaging in such desperate times feels jarring. As the rest of the film unfolds, we are taken through Chuck’s earlier life and childhood, revealing his experiences living with his grandparents.
Even with such a dire opening, The Life of Chuck is a life-affirming film. It tells a story that, even when the end is approaching, life can still be lived to the fullest. Every minute and second matter, and The Life of Chuck captures this beautifully. This is partly due to its reverse chronological storytelling. The film begins with its scariest, most haunting moments, but as it moves from Act Two to Act One, it becomes increasingly intimate. In a way, it reminded me a lot of Aftersun—when the credits rolled, I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I didn’t know what to feel or think. I was simply in awe.
This emotional impact is largely due to the performances. Tom Hiddleston, Jacob Tremblay, and Benjamin Pajak each play different incarnations of Charles Krantz, and they are all exceptional, delivering what could be considered career-best performances. However, the standout is Mark Hamill as Albie Krantz, Chuck’s grandfather. His performance is unlike anything I’ve seen from him before, and he could easily earn a Best Supporting Actor nomination.
Mike Flanagan has written and directed a film that feels unlike any other, serving as the culmination of all his previous projects. It’s also a refreshing change of pace. Most of Flanagan’s earlier work has been in the horror genre, both in TV and film, so seeing him create a film that leans more into personal drama is not only refreshing but also a testament to his range. It shows that the people who scare us the most can also evoke the deepest emotions in us.
This is a great film. As I sit here writing this review, I feel teary-eyed and emotional. It’s a movie I know I will love even more upon rewatching. This is Mike Flanagan at his best, and The Life of Chuck will undoubtedly go down as one of the best films of the year.
★★★★1/2
Reviewed at the  Toronto Film Festival 2024 / Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Jacob Tremblay, Benjamin Pajak, Mark Hamill / Dir: Mike Flanagan
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